The Ranworth Trust 1985

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £182,475 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified (known grants include £320,000 to Norfolk Wildlife Trust and £10,900 scholarships)
• Geographic Focus: Local (East Norfolk), National (UK medical research), and International (technology initiatives)

Contact Details

Address: Reedside, Farm Lane, Ranworth, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 6HY

Phone: 01603 663300

Website: www.ranworthtrust.org.uk (currently not accessible)

Charity Number: 292633

Overview

THE RANWORTH TRUST 1985 was registered with the Charity Commission on 3 February 1986 and operates as a grant-making trust. With total income of £1,021,708 in 2024 (including donations/legacies of £876,463 and investment income of £145,245), the trust distributed £182,475 in charitable grants during the same period. The trust has three distinct funding priorities: supporting local registered charities in East Norfolk that provide opportunity and education in the community, national charities involved in medical research into curable illness, and international charities with long-term commitment to providing technological initiative and support. The trust has historical connections to the Cator family, who have been associated with the Ranworth and Woodbastwick estates in Norfolk for over two centuries. In 1945, the Cator family donated Ranworth and Cockshoot Broads to Norfolk Wildlife Trust, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to conservation and community benefit.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Ranworth Trust operates a discretionary grant-making program across three distinct areas, with no publicly available application guidelines or fixed grant amounts. Known grants include:

• Norfolk Wildlife Trust: £320,000 funding (with Heritage Lottery Fund) for a scheme teaching disadvantaged children about wildlife and conservation
• University of East Anglia Scholarships: £10,900 scholarships for MSc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement students
• “Discovering Ranworth” Project: Support for improving visitor facilities, information, signage, and education activities at NWT Ranworth Broad nature reserve (alongside Essex & Suffolk Water and Norwich Freemen's Charity)

Priority Areas

Local East Norfolk Charities:

• Education and opportunity provision in the community
• Projects benefiting disadvantaged children
• Wildlife conservation and environmental education
• Community facilities and access improvements

National Charities:

• Medical research into curable illness
• Scientific research and innovation

International Charities:

• Long-term technological initiatives
• Sustainable development support

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. Based on their stated priorities, the trust appears focused on education, medical research, and technology rather than general charitable purposes.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Mark Cator (Chair)
• Isabel Alicia Cator (Trustee, appointed 14 September 2020)
• Jane Cator (Trustee, appointed 10 December 2015)

The trust is governed by the Cator family, who have deep historical roots in Norfolk. Henry Cator, a member of the family, served as High Sheriff of Norfolk and raised £85,000 for the Norfolk Community Foundation, demonstrating the family's broader commitment to charitable giving. The family has cared for estates covering Woodbastwick, Ranworth, Panxworth, Salhouse, and surrounding areas for approximately two hundred years.

Governance Standards:

• No trustees receive remuneration
• Policies include financial controls, risk management, and investment procedures
• Not recognized by HMRC for gift aid
• Charity reporting is up to date (on time)

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The trust operates on a trustee discretion basis, with no published application forms, guidelines, or submission portals. Grants appear to be awarded based on trustees' knowledge of organizations and causes aligned with their three priority areas (East Norfolk education/community, national medical research, and international technology initiatives).

Given the family connection to the Ranworth and Woodbastwick estates in Norfolk, local grants may be identified through the trustees' community connections and awareness of charitable needs in East Norfolk.

Getting on Their Radar

While there is no public application process, organizations working in the trust's priority areas (particularly in East Norfolk) may benefit from:

For East Norfolk Organizations:

• The trust has demonstrated support for Norfolk Wildlife Trust and University of East Anglia, indicating potential receptiveness to established Norfolk institutions
• Connection to the Cator family's historical association with Ranworth, Woodbastwick, Panxworth, and Salhouse areas
• Projects demonstrating educational value, particularly for disadvantaged children

For National and International Organizations:

• Medical research charities focused on curable illnesses may be considered
• International charities with proven long-term commitment to technological initiatives and support

The trust's support for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust's scheme for disadvantaged children and UEA's plant genetics program suggests preference for evidence-based, educational, and scientific initiatives with clear long-term impact.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available. As a trust operating on trustee discretion without published application cycles, decision timelines are likely variable and dependent on trustee meetings.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. Without a public application process, success rate data is not applicable.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to the absence of a public application process.

Application Success Factors

As THE RANWORTH TRUST 1985 operates without a public application process, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, analysis of their known grants reveals several patterns:

Geographic and Mission Alignment:

• Strong preference for East Norfolk-based organizations or those serving East Norfolk communities
• Historical connection to Ranworth and surrounding areas (Woodbastwick, Panxworth, Salhouse)
• Support for organizations with which the Cator family has established relationships

Project Characteristics of Funded Initiatives:

• Educational Impact: Both major known grants (Norfolk Wildlife Trust's £320,000 and UEA scholarships) focus on education—teaching disadvantaged children about conservation and supporting postgraduate scientific education
• Long-term Commitment: The trust's stated priority for “long-term commitment” is evidenced in support for established institutions (Norfolk Wildlife Trust, UEA)
• Scientific and Technological Focus: Support for plant genetics research and conservation science
• Community Benefit: Projects serving disadvantaged populations

Institutional Characteristics:

• Established charitable organizations with proven track records
• Organizations with local Norfolk connections
• Institutions aligned with conservation, medical research, or technology

The Cator Family's Values:

Henry Cator's fundraising work for Norfolk Community Foundation focused on “the poorest in society” and expressed belief that “People can change their lives if they are given a second chance,” suggesting trustee interest in social mobility and opportunity creation.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process: This trust cannot be approached through standard grant application procedures; grants are awarded at trustee discretion
• Geographic Priority: East Norfolk focus is evident, with known grants supporting Norfolk-based organizations and projects
• Educational Excellence: Both major known grants emphasize education—conservation education for disadvantaged children and postgraduate scientific training
• Established Relationships Matter: Grants appear to go to well-established institutions (Norfolk Wildlife Trust, University of East Anglia) rather than emerging organizations
• Long-term Impact: The trust's mission emphasizes “long-term commitment” in international technology work, suggesting preference for sustainable initiatives over short-term projects
• Triple Focus: The trust operates across three distinct areas (East Norfolk community/education, national medical research, international technology), so organizations should clearly align with one of these categories
• Family Legacy: The Cator family's historical connection to Ranworth and commitment to conservation (donating Ranworth and Cockshoot Broads to Norfolk Wildlife Trust in 1945) may influence funding decisions

References

1. Charity Commission Register of Charities - THE RANWORTH TRUST 1985, Charity Number 292633. Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/292633/full-print (Accessed: 28 December 2025)

1. “Funding Briefs: Ranworth Trust and Heritage Lottery Fund scheme” - CYP Now. Available at: https://www.cypnow.co.uk/other/article/funding-briefs-ranworth-trust-and-heritage-lottery-fund-scheme (Accessed: 28 December 2025)

1. “The Ranworth Trust Scholarship” - University of East Anglia. Available at: https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/scholarships/the-ranworth-trust-scholarship (Accessed: 28 December 2025)

1. “Cator family and the Woodbastwick Estates” - Norfolk Record Office Online Catalogue. Available at: https://nrocatalogue.norfolk.gov.uk/index.php/cator-family-and-the-woodbastwick-estates (Accessed: 28 December 2025)

1. "Cators' eyes are open for their Norfolk dream" - Network Norfolk. Available at: https://www.networknorwich.co.uk/Articles/387362/Network_Norwich_and_Norfolk/People/Cators_eyes_are_open_for_their_Norfolk.aspx (Accessed: 28 December 2025)

1. “Norfolk Wildlife Trust revamps facilities at Ranworth Broad” - Great Yarmouth Mercury. Available at: https://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/news/23540937.norfolk-wildlife-trust-revamps-facilities-ranworth-broad/ (Accessed: 28 December 2025)